Several thousand Muslim Brotherhood supporters marched in Cairo today, participating in what have become weekly protests on behalf of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood-linked former President Mohammed Morsi. Previous iterations of the demonstrations have been variously dubbed as “Day of Outrage” and “Friday of Martyrs” protests. The Associated Press characterized today’s protests as “small and scattered”:

Hundreds of Brotherhood members, including top leaders, have been arrested and accused of inciting violence. The fierce security crackdown has weakened the Brotherhood, once Egypt’s most powerful political group.

The characterization aligns with Egyptian media reports describing a “sharp decline” in turnout at Brotherhood rallies:

The small turnout prompted speculations over a drop in the group’s popularity among Egyptians.

Pro-Mursi protests were met with public condemnation across Egypt, and anti-Brotherhood protesters reportedly attacked Islamists and tore down their placards.

Those overseeing the situation in Egypt attributed the small turnout to the absence of communication among Brotherhood members and protest organizers, as well as the heightened security measures.

It also aligns with polling data showing broad Egyptian public support both for the army’s moves against the Brotherhood. The military has long enjoyed broad popular support, and even during Morsi’s rule enjoyed a favorability rating markedly higher than the president’s.

[Photo: Ester Meerman / Flickr]